Woods Hole Inn » Woods Hole InnJust another inndx blogs and websites for innkeepers2015-07-26T21:40:14Zhttp://woodsholeinn.com/feed/atom/WordPressBeth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=52062015-07-26T21:40:14Z2015-07-26T21:40:14ZAs a photographer I don’t like to admit this, but I can honestly say that there are some things that just have to be seen in person. These places that defy my desire to capture in a photograph are so magnificent and breathtaking that a picture just can’t do them justice. My day trip to […]

]]>As a photographer I don’t like to admit this, but I can honestly say that there are some things that just have to be seen in person. These places that defy my desire to capture in a photograph are so magnificent and breathtaking that a picture just can’t do them justice. My day trip to Martha’s Vineyard to visit the Gayhead Cliffs in Aquinnah proved to be one of these places. Last week, my sister Olivia was on the Cape with one of her best friends from school and I wanted to treat them to a day of adventure. My sister and I have made many day trips to the towns on Martha’s Vineyard but had never visited Aquinnah, so we were very excited to get off the beaten path.

We took an early afternoon ferry from Woods Hole and found a great spot up on the top deck to hang out as we crossed the Vineyard Sound aboard the Steamship Authority’s Island Home ($17 passenger ticket RT). The ferry ride itself is gorgeous and it is easy to enjoy the views of the surrounding coast line, Nobska Lighthouse, and Martha’s Vineyard.

Once we landed in Vineyard Haven we made a quick stop at the Black Dog for lunch. The first year round restaurant on the island started in 1971, this iconic spot on the harbor in Vineyard Haven is worth the trip alone. The fish and chips were excellent and we were now fueled up for our journey to the cliffs.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of use and organization of the public transportation system on the island. The VTA (Vineyard Transit Authority) has published a detailed and intuitive map with bus schedules and extensive routes that take people all over the island. For just $8.00, you can purchase a day pass to hop on and off all day long. We got on the bus in Vineyard Haven, made a switch in Chilmark and arrived in Aquinnah in about 50 minutes. This day trip to Martha’s Vineyard is inexpensive and convenient as a guest of the Woods Hole Inn, where the Woods Hole ferry terminal is located across the street.

The Aquinnah bus drops passengers off at the top of the Gayhead cliffs where there is a gorgeous observation deck to view the vibrant multicolored cliffs cascading into the surrounding seas. You can also see the iconic Gayhead Lighthouse which was just recently relocated. Almost $3.5 million dollars were raised to move the lighthouse from the rapidly eroding cliffs, and the elaborate job moving this antique brick structure was completed this spring saving the famous lighthouse from certain ruin within a few years.

From the observation deck, we made our way down to the beach below where we were able to get a closer look at the clay cliffs. They were saturated with jeweled tones of rust, powdery whites, mustard yellow, and honeydew green. So amazing to have an incredible natural landmark located just a short ride day trip from Woods Hole. No wonder the Wampanoag’s (native Americans from the Cape and Islands) consider this a sacred spot.

Although I got some great shots of the cliffs, I know there will always be more ways to capture their natural beauty. I have already started to make plans for my next day trip to Martha’s Vineyard where I will once again challenge myself to fit the feeling of seeing them first hand into a photograph. But in all honesty, you really just have to go see them for yourself. -Sam Frawley, guest blogger

]]>1Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=51482015-07-12T20:03:00Z2015-07-12T20:03:00ZIf you’re looking for local flavor, there’s nothing quite like wandering around the local farmers market. The Falmouth Farmers Market (just up the road from the Woods Hole Inn in Woods Hole, MA on Cape Cod) has a long standing tradition of attracting farmers and artisans from all over eastern Massachusetts to sell local produce […]

]]>If you’re looking for local flavor, there’s nothing quite like wandering around the local farmers market. The Falmouth Farmers Market (just up the road from the Woods Hole Inn in Woods Hole, MA on Cape Cod) has a long standing tradition of attracting farmers and artisans from all over eastern Massachusetts to sell local produce and share rich, unique stories. Boasting a new waterfront location this season (at Marine Park adjacent to the harbor), the Falmouth Farmers Market now has abundant free parking, cool sea breezes and great water views.

The farm to table movement has blossomed on Cape Cod in recent years, with the Falmouth Farmer’s Market leading the charge. Many local restaurants and chefs avail themselves of this wonderful weekly tradition, starting at noon on Thursdays in summertime. How lucky are we to have access to berries picked earlier that morning, fine artisan breads baked right on the Cape, sweet corn ripened at the peak of summer, farm fresh eggs still warm from the nest?

On a recent visit, I was inspired by the passion and generosity that exists within this community of people. As my brother and I strolled from booth to booth, we were greeted with smiles, free samples and an education about the energy and love that goes into creating this delightful array of goods. I never thought I could be so entertained learning about artisan Balsamic Vinegar. No joke! You have to stop by Tony Melli’s tables and hear about his craft firsthand.

Each booth overflowed with hand made, organically grown, and fresh baked goods, on which I easily could have blown all of last week’s paycheck. I’ll be back for the all natural herbal bath and beauty products from Thyme After Thyme, hand made soaps from Woods Hole Soapworks, homemade salad dressings from DD’s Dressing, artisan olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Olio di Melli, craft wines from Westport Rivers Winery, and loads of gorgeous, fresh produce from Allen, Silverbrook, Pariah Dog Farms just to name a few.

The Falmouth Farmer’s Market convenes every Thursday from noon until 6 p.m from spring though fall. It’s a 10 minute drive to Falmouth Harbor from Woods Hole (which is a village of the town of Falmouth). This farmers market is a must see for any one interested in communing with the locals and tasting the unique flavors of Cape Cod. You will find us there procuring herbs and inspiration for the weekend’s breakfasts at the Woods Hole Inn.

]]>0Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=51252015-06-24T12:53:19Z2015-06-24T12:53:19ZThere’s certainly no shortage of places to sit down and enjoy Cape Cod cocktails in Woods Hole. However, given so many good options it can be a daunting task to choose the right beverage for you. Don’t fear! This past week, a couple friends joined me for a Cape Cod cocktail tour and we did […]

]]>There’s certainly no shortage of places to sit down and enjoy Cape Cod cocktails in Woods Hole. However, given so many good options it can be a daunting task to choose the right beverage for you. Don’t fear! This past week, a couple friends joined me for a Cape Cod cocktail tour and we did the “work” for you. Below you will find our favorite drinks at each of the seven waterfront restaurants we visited – all of which are walking distance from each other. Hope you enjoy and remember to read responsibly.

LANDFALL

Drink of choice: Bloody Mary

Secret house recipe served with Spanish olives and celery.

Notes: If you’re waiting for the afternoon ferry and you need something to tide you over before dinner the Landfall is the place to go. Their Bloody Mary is the best around and its zesty, savory, and spicy flavors will keep your mouth entertained until the very last drop. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

CAPTAIN KIDD

Notes: This drink is an adventure in a glass. If you’re feeling the winds of good fortune at your back and the call of the open seas then you’ve got to dive in. This bold drink from a watering hole that’s a self described “pirate bar” features Captain Kidd’s special house-made spiced rum and a dash of absinthe. Before long, it will have you wanting to chase buried treasure and hoist the main sail. If you’re looking for a drink to get you in touch with your inner Jack Sparrow then this drink is the “X” that marks the spot on Captain Kidd’s menu.

QUICKS HOLE TAVERN

Notes: Fresh, sweet, and modern like the new restaurant that serves it, this drink has a pleasing and relaxed flavor. Quicks Hole Tavern opened it’s doors last year and has quickly become a favorite with an innovative and imaginative menu. Looking to view the harbor as if from the prow of a ship? Sip your Little Harbor Lavender and watch your ship come in with the best view of the Martha’s Vineyard ferry in Woods Hole.

QUICKS HOLE TAQUERIA

Notes: One of my very favorite things to do in Woods Hole is to grab some friends and post up at the Quicks Hole Taqueria for some chips and salsa and their fantastic house-made sangria. They sell it by the pitcher and it’s the perfect complement to kicking back on a sunny afternoon and people-watching in the heart of Woods Hole. If you swing by on a Friday or Sunday evening, you can even catch one of the fantastic local bands that perform for free in the parking lot next to the restaurant.

PHUSION

Notes: As this restaurant’s name would lead to you to believe, Phusion’s menu consistently presents interesting blends of different international flavors and styles. This French-influenced beverage features imported grapefruit liqueur and fresh mint that was picked from the restaurant’s in-house herb garden moments before it was added to our drink. The Ruby Red Crush is a light and refreshing drink that will have you crushing on summer and saying “au revior” to all your troubles.

FISHMONGER

Drink of Choice: Mongerita

Tequila, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime juice, Agave Nectar

Notes: This drink is the Fishmonger’s Cape Cod twist on a classic margarita. The addition of cranberry juice fills this cocktail with the tart refreshment you need on a warm summer day. Also, if you happen to be in Woods Hole on a Thursday evening, Fishmonger is a must – thanks to their Thirsty Thursday free appetizer special and great selection of draft beers.

SHUCKERS:

Notes: In addition to recently being featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, Shuckers boasts a world famous raw bar, sushi and a great waterfront location. We asked for something summery and I think they found a way to fit summer into a mason jar. This drink was just the right amount sweet with a fresh squeezed citrus twist to keep you feeling like you’re sippin’ on sunshine, Cape Cod cocktail style.

]]>0Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=50992015-06-16T16:07:02Z2015-06-16T16:07:02ZCape Cod has so many great places to explore, but my friend Bonny and I were looking for something that could be described as a Cape Cod ecotour — you know, a fun day in the sun with a little learning and an eco twist. Enter Captain Joe, who along with his staff at Barnstable […]

]]>Cape Cod has so many great places to explore, but my friend Bonny and I were looking for something that could be described as a Cape Cod ecotour — you know, a fun day in the sun with a little learning and an eco twist.

Enter Captain Joe, who along with his staff at Barnstable Harbor Eco-Tours, offers a leisurely cruise around the harbor aboard a charming pontoon boat called The Horseshoe Crab. Packed with a wealth of interesting information about the history of the harbor and natural life, the tour was guided by expert naturalist Phil Kyle. Bonny and I really enjoyed Phil’s enthusiasm for history, especially his tales about the Prohibition-era rum running from this storied harbor.

Barnstable Harbor itself is gorgeous, well worth the trip. On one side it is bordered by the white gold dunes of Sandy Neck Beach, a six mile long barrier beach, and on another there is a large field of marshland which draws myriad species of shorebirds which we learned about from Phil.

Might not sound much like a Cape Cod ecotour, but the best of the day was views of the Cottage Colony at the very end of Sandy Neck Beach. The Cottage Colony is home to a collection of beautiful beach cottages as well as Sandy Neck Light – a picturesque lighthouse marking the end of the peninsula. The cottages are in the historic district of the peninsula and most are more than 100 years old. As the boat neared the Colony it appeared we were visiting an idyllic little seaside kingdom, best captured from a boat.

There were many opportunities to take photos of the harbor and I couldn’t help snapping a couple gorgeous shots for my Instagram, and I thought about coming back another day and exploring Sandy Neck on foot to see more of this stunning harbor and unique ecosystem system from the land. Well, there is always next year.

Barnstable Harbor is approximately a 50 minute drive from the Woods Hole Inn. Tours last about 2 hours and are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Woods Hole Inn concierge staff would be happy to assist guests in scheduling a day like this one on Barnstable Harbor. Or call Captain Joe @ 508.221.6162 for more information or to schedule your Cape Cod ecotour – what a great way to spend the day exploring Cape Cod! — from guest blogger Sam Frawley

]]>0Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=49942015-06-10T18:45:03Z2015-06-10T18:45:03ZAs winter comes to an end, there are relentless signs of spring here in Woods Hole, in fact Woods Hole spring is made famous by the writings of environmentalist Rachel Carson whose research for her world-changing treatise “Silent Spring” started right here. For me, the signs of spring Woods Hole are everywhere, so I will […]

As winter comes to an end, there are relentless signs of spring here in Woods Hole, in fact Woods Hole spring is made famous by the writings of environmentalist Rachel Carson whose research for her world-changing treatise “Silent Spring” started right here. For me, the signs of spring Woods Hole are everywhere, so I will list my top ten (Letterman style) saving the best signs of spring on Cape Cod for last.

10. Fog

The water remains cooler than the air for some time, and this causes these intense clouds of fog to roll past even on a bright sunny day. It’s really fun to sit on the beach and just watch, but remember a sweatshirt because when you are enveloped by a cloud it gets chilly quickly.

9. Roofers

Spring is the time for house repairs and the village rings with the sound of hammers, scrapers and the comforting blast of commercial radio loud enough for everyone on the crew (and the neighborhood) to enjoy “Paint it Black” and other classics.

8. Osprey

I have heard that these huge hawks gave Buzzards Bay it’s name back when Gosnold passed through, and they return each spring to make their sprawling nests. If you want to watch them up as they spawn, I recommend the WHOI OspreyCam for a Cape Cod dose of wildlife viewing. And thanks to Woods Hole’s own Rachel Carson- without her work which raised the alarm about the over-use of DDT in our environment back in the 1960’s, we might not have osprey around anymore.

7. Bright Colored Rowboats

As the snow recedes, the bright colored bottoms of the stored row boats and kayaks pop with color off the newly green grass. In April, the Woods Hole historical museum hosts a model boat show — you can see one of the model boats racing across Eel Pond in the background here.

6. Rolling Bags

More than a million people take the ferry from here to Martha’s Vineyard each summer, and about this time the streets start to become full of people walking with their rolling bags, their distinctive lopsided gate followed by a gravelly roar of rubber.

5. Coffee Roasting

At Pie in the Sky Bakery, our neighbor here in Woods Hole, the busy coffee season is marked with extra roasting. A lovely smell of fresh coffee drifts over the village when the wind blows the right way, and with a deep sniff you feel energized and alive.

4. Clear Water

The colder water of spring is especially clear, so photos from the beach make the waters look downright Caribe-like, and debris from the winter becomes uncovered (thank goodness for “Clean Up Eel Pond Day” as this rubber tire is long gone).

3. Daffodils

The daffodils burst improbably out of the brown leaf litter lining the road sides like toy soldiers. Each year as I drive around admiring them, I think about the person that dug them into these woodsy locations and how they disappear for most of the year, only to emerge in spring with their sunny surprise.

2. Landfall Cocktails

The Landfall re-opens in mid-April, and this is the time to get in for that perfect fresh-squeezed cocktail on the dock looking out over the Woods Hole passage with the ferries coming and going.

1. Lobster Tacos at Quicks Hole

The ultimate sign that spring is in full swing is when Quicks Hole re-opens their famous Taqueria and I enjoy my first lobster taco of the season. So glad winter is over, so happy summer is almost here.

]]>0Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=49112015-05-29T16:46:14Z2015-04-24T13:11:01ZEarth Day is always special in Woods Hole, as the village is packed with scientists and others who study, examine, support and cherish mother earth and her oceans. But this Earth Day was unique, as locals gathered on Challenger Drive to say goodbye to an enormous copper beech tree that has offered shade and comfort […]

]]>Earth Day is always special in Woods Hole, as the village is packed with scientists and others who study, examine, support and cherish mother earth and her oceans.

But this Earth Day was unique, as locals gathered on Challenger Drive to say goodbye to an enormous copper beech tree that has offered shade and comfort for 150 years. Aborists have determined the tree is beyond saving, and this massive old friend will be cut down soon for safety.

About 40 people gathered as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution leader Susan Avery said a few words about how hard it is to say goodbye to a tree of this stature. Local theologian Deborah Warner spoke about nature, then read a moving Mary Oliver poem that began, “When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness, I would almost say they save me, and daily.” (From “Thirst, poems by Mary Oliver,” Beacon Press, 2006)

Susan Witzell, a local historian, shared anecdotes about Joseph Story Fay who once owned this property and planted these seedlings back when Woods Hole had been cleared for timber and was mostly meadow used for sheep. Fay was devoted to planting trees, and along with his gardener Michael Walsh, is responsible for much of the forest that now dominates this end of Falmouth.

In closing, a group gathered around the base for an actual tree hug. It was such a warm spring day, with long shadows drifting across the impossibly green spring grass. Susan Avery spoke of planting a new copper beech in the same spot and emotions ran high thinking about this symbolic new era in Woods Hole, a time for saplings, spring and new beginnings.

]]>0Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=46012015-02-28T18:53:51Z2015-02-28T18:53:51ZThis winter brought more snow than usual with the month of February racking up over 100 inches in Boston, breaking snowfall records all over the region. Our snow photos always intrigue summer visitors who only see Cape Cod at 80 degrees. It’s hard to imagine Coast Guard ice cutters crisscrossing the Hole, intrepid explorers out […]

My quest for snow photos typically involves rushing out the minute it starts, as the snow always seems to melt within a few minutes. Not so much for snow photos 2015. We have been covered in a decent blanket since the first blizzard hit in late January. Since then, I have lost count of how many more days it snowed, although I remember Valentine’s Day — soft quiet accumulation all night with a dramatic blizzard slamming like a hangover in the morning. These winter storms had romantic names like Neptune and Juno, Greek reminders of god-like forces greater than us.

In addition to the relentless snow fall, cold air blasted us for most of the month. We now have significant sea ice formed all along our shores rendering the landscape at water’s edge into something otherworldly, arctic. If you have not seen satellite photos of this phenomena, check this out, as it appears to be frozen at least half way across Buzzards Bay.

To keep the harbor open, the US Coast Guard sent ice cutters to maintain the ferry system connecting us to Martha’s Vineyard. Out on Nantucket, a local photographer captured slushy waves that made the New York Times, while here in Woods Hole we watched, mesmerized, as the ice floes and some of the buoys moved through the currents of the Woods Hole passage.

When the Eel Pond froze over earlier this week, the first intrepid explorers were scientists from our local labs in special suits designed to prevent drowning. But once it was proven solid, lots of Woods Hole lemmings (including me) rushed out to experience the feeling of walking and skating in the middle of the village.

I particularly love this birds-eye-view film shot by my neighbor Brian Switzer (a wonderful director and inspired teacher in our local public schools) of Woods Hole in these extraordinary conditions. I think you will enjoy it, and perhaps the snow photos 2015 in my photo essay that follows. For daily photos, check out my Facebook page #WoodsHoleColors.

]]>6Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=45662015-01-06T01:21:49Z2015-01-05T22:17:50ZIs is fitting that I captured images of the late Steve Jobs yacht Venus with my iPhone? Yes. Would he have been amused that posting them to Instagram later that day would cause an international stir? I am thinking not. I took a vacation last week, sailing around the British Virgin Islands with my family […]

]]>Is is fitting that I captured images of the late Steve Jobs yacht Venus with my iPhone? Yes. Would he have been amused that posting them to Instagram later that day would cause an international stir? I am thinking not.

I took a vacation last week, sailing around the British Virgin Islands with my family and a few friends on a small rental sailboat from a great outfit called the Moorings in Tortola. On our last night out at sea, we anchored in the Norman Island Bight, famous as an ancient hideaway for pirates and rum runners. Captain Kidd hung out there, or so they say at the pub onshore.

In any case, I was snorkeling and enjoying the trade winds on our last day out when this extraordinary mega yacht anchored at the mouth of the harbor. It looked like something suitable for a villain in a Bond movie. Not really even like a ship — boxy, clear, highly structured. From a distance it appeared that the bow was square, like the whole thing was a floating Bauhaus inspired cube. More like something you would see in the Malibu hills than on the ocean. More like an Apple store.

When we got closer, we saw the huge bow deck littered with teak furniture and red cushions. The illusion of a box from afar was created by a polished chrome bowline that reflected the water. The whole boat was like a mirror, mirroring images that passed (like our tiny sailboat that looked positively trailer trash in comparison). The stern was open like a tin can, with a ziggurat of steps cascading down to the water. We circled peeking into what was clearly an exercise room with a huge shiny X that reminded me of the Mondrian Hotel in LA. Several crew members were in there, polishing the chrome, scrubbing the deck and rearranging the bicycle collection. There were paddle boards, a small umbrella, room for the launch which appeared to be elsewhere.

I posted these photos to Instagram right after I saw the ship. I could not resist, even though I try to keep my photo stream focused on fun things to do here in Woods Hole. Little did I imagine that these images would go viral the next day. First on Gizmodo, then Business Insider, Time Magazine, Cult of Mac, you name it.

So what does Steve Jobs’ mega yacht have to do with the Woods Hole Inn? Challenging question. I am a big fan of the iPhone, especially for photos, and I teach a seminar called “ten tips for great photos with your smart phone” with a session coming up next week. Not nothing, but not likely to get me the TED talk that might earn me an invite on this ship. Of course, there is always Captain Kidd. He hid out around here too, in amazing harbors like Tarpaulin Cove and Quicks Hole — equally beautiful places in summertime. (There is even a Captain Kidd restaurant right here in Woods Hole!) And we share the beautiful Atlantic waters as Cape Cod is the last stop on the East Coast for the Gulf Stream.

OK, maybe you are right — the connections between the Woods Hole Inn and Steve Jobs’ mega yacht Venus are tenuous at best. I doubt publishing these photos will help get me my dream invite on board, but I’ll keep you posted. I can only imagine the stir true inside shots might make. All rights reserved.

]]>2Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=45012014-12-20T17:09:46Z2014-12-20T17:09:46ZCall me shutterbug. All year long, I wander around Woods Hole and snap photos with my iPhone. I post these photos daily on the Woods Hole Inn’s Facebook page under the moniker “Woods Hole Colors.” Maybe some of you already follow me there. As we hurtle towards the New Year, I decided to review 365 […]

]]>Call me shutterbug. All year long, I wander around Woods Hole and snap photos with my iPhone. I post these photos daily on the Woods Hole Inn’s Facebook page under the moniker “Woods Hole Colors.” Maybe some of you already follow me there.

As we hurtle towards the New Year, I decided to review 365 days of my photo library and share my favorites. There are so many breathtaking vistas in and around Woods Hole, but I am always hunting for new light, a new angle, a new take. Somehow, the scenery manages to change and familiar spots continue to look new to me.

My photo of the year essay starts in the winter, perhaps my favorite season because it is new to me. As a wash-ashore aka former summer person (the lowliest form of life to a real Cape Codder:), the landscape I know so well never ceases to amaze me when bathed in snow.

A close second to snow scenes are winter sunsets. I am not sure if they are more beautiful because we need them to be to keep our spirits up in the cold, or perhaps we are more likely to appreciate them because they come so much earlier in the day. In any case, the light across the water with storm clouds hovering also captures my imagination.

When spring comes, I wait for these three cherry trees to blossom. You can see them from Woods Hole Road as you drive into town, and their high bloom only lasts a day or so, less if the wind blows hard. Perched as they are atop a hill in the golf course, these three sisters epitomize late spring for me.

Come summer, I like to visit Menemsha on Martha’s Vineyard. You can get there via the ferry to Vineyard Haven, then hire a taxi or hop the public bus system. This spring, I held an iPhoneography workshop at the Inn and on Sunday we visited this tiny fishing village. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a commitment to get all the way out to Menemsha. Off the grid. Rustic. Old school.

In late June, the Corwith Cramer comes back to her home port. This metal hulled clipper ship sails the seven seas with college kids aboard as part of the “Sea Education Association” (aka S.E.A.). Her slip in Woods Hole is right across the street from the Woods Hole Inn. All of a sudden, Woods Hole feels a bit more like the whaling village it once was.

High summer, the days are so long it does not get totally dark until after 9 pm. The view from the Eel Pond drawbridge is beautiful every day, but some days, with the stillness of evening settling the water to glass, a ferry perched on the horizon and the sky tingling with hues of pink and baby blue? Thank goodness for that iPhone in my pocket! Poems should be written about this channel, children named after it, world leaders brought here to fill their hearts with tranquility before global negotiations. I share the immeasurable healing power of a single vista.

Summer is a blur of guests from far and near with the streets of Woods Hole packed like Manhattan, the buzz of late night revelers walking in the warm air, buskers, beach days, sailing trips, outdoor showers, sand on the floor, piles of salty towels on the porch, little sleep and lots of fun.

Friends visit: we enjoy restaurant meals, ferry rides, books on the beach and long walks home under the bright stars.

The kids love these long days filled with cousins, trips to Cuttyhunk for ice cream, climbing the copper beach in front of Pie in the Sky, trying every item at the penny candy store.

Summer is all about parties and invitations. This was a memorial gathering in the forest outside the house of my friend Jill (a wicked talented architect) who lost her daughter earlier this year. It was an understandably muted festivity in honor of Lizzie, but there was plenty of square dancing after the pot luck meal.

Of course there are also spectacular summer sunsets, and many people have roof decks. Sweet huh.

Not every day is perfect. Sometimes the fog rolls in and you can hear the ferries talking to each other with their horns as they pass in pea soup of Vineyard Sound. A hush seems to fall over the village, even the street conversations are quieter. OK, you’re right – it’s perfect in a different way.

Then with a headlong rush comes fall. It’s later here because the Gulf Stream keeps temps high until the end of October. As my kids carved pumpkins on the front porch at Halloween this year, a gaggle of eighth graders came by in towels from a swim at the beach. (I think they were showing off, but whatever.)

For the final best photos of the year, I will take you home to a recent autumn picture of the Woods Hole Inn, where a warm welcome awaits you should you decide to come experience the Cape Cod seasons for yourself. If you have a favorite from my collection, let me know in the comments below.

Or follow me on Facebook, where I post seasonal images every day, all year long. #WoodsHoleColors

]]>13Beth Colthttp://woodsholeinn.com/?p=44932014-12-09T15:25:06Z2014-12-09T15:25:06ZKnit your way across Cape Cod with this great weekend value at the Woods Hole Inn. Knitting on Cape Cod was never so easy. Join us January 23 – 25, 2015 in Woods Hole for a knitting weekend in conjunction with our friends at Sage Yarns Falmouth. Our Knit Cape Cod gathering kicks off on […]

]]>Knit your way across Cape Cod with this great weekend value at the Woods Hole Inn. Knitting on Cape Cod was never so easy.

Join us January 23 – 25, 2015 in Woods Hole for a knitting weekend in conjunction with our friends at Sage Yarns Falmouth.

Our Knit Cape Cod gathering kicks off on Friday night with a free wine and cheese welcome mixer at the Woods Hole Inn. On Saturday, Knit Cape Cod continues with two workshops plus lunch overlooking the waterfront at the new year round restaurant Quicks Hole Tavern (next door to the Woods Hole Inn).

Sunday is reserved for a knitalong on the Martha’s Vineyard ferry with plenty of time to explore the Vineyard Haven shops, visit the Alpaca Farm, enjoy lunch at the Black Dog Tavern or whatever your heart desires on the island. Extended parking in Woods Hole is offered as part of the package, to make this Sunday visit seamless for you. Who knew knitting across Vineyard Sound on the ferry could be so much fun?